Could An ACL Course Be Your Lifeline?
Article by Sarah, ACL Learner
I’m Sarah, I’m 41 and I live near Southend-on-Sea. During the pandemic, I was furloughed and I decided to use all of this unexpected free time to create irevive.online. This is for people like me, who have found themselves feeling a little lost in these trying times, and need reminding to take time for themselves to revive. The website showcases all the ways in which I revive myself, which includes walking, cooking, gardening, reading, travel, showing gratitude, and self care – mostly through spending time outdoors. It is a work in progress, but I hope it inspires, and shows the importance of indulging in the things that leave you feeling energised.
I also love to learn brand new things and enhance existing skills, which is what brought me to ACL. I first came across ACL in 2018 when I took a Creative Writing Improvers class. The teacher was great and it inspired me to look at other classes. Then we went into lockdown and ACL started offering free ‘Shorts’ which felt like a lifeline.
In the past year I have taken classes, tutorials and courses in Mindfulness, Philosophy, Phone photography, History, Floristry, NHS History, Nursing & Florence Nightingale, Self Confidence, Building Self Confidence Further and What Other Job can I do. I am currently undertaking a 2-week course called Your New Vision in Life or Career which has been fantastic. I’ve met some really lovely people.
To anyone that is thinking of taking an ACL course, I would say: absolutely do it. I’ve loved everyone I’ve taken and I’d recommend each of them. I think it’s fantastic that ACL are offering free courses – some of them 6 weeks long! – at this difficult time. I get regular emails notifying me about what’s coming up, but I meet so many people who haven’t heard of them. I’d like to see ACL shouting about it all from the rooftops.